Indictment details bribery scheme alleged against Pahlavan

According to the indictment, bribes were offered "in exchange for Pahlavan favorably supervising, approving work for, and recommending contracts be awarded to Co-Conspirator 1's company, S.H. Anthony, Inc., from the HCUA." (Photo source: WLOX)

GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) - Former Harrison County Utility Authority executive director Kamran Pahlavan has pleaded not guilty to all charges in a five count federal indictment. Pahlavan is accused of bribery and wire fraud. His bond was set at $25,000.

The indictment alleges Pahlavan "would corruptly solicit, accept or agree to accept things of value" from a co-conspirator. The value items reportedly includes cars, Saints tickets, hotel rooms, and beach condominium rentals. According to the indictment, those items would be offered "in exchange for Pahlavan favorably supervising, approving work for, and recommending contracts be awarded to Co-Conspirator 1's company, S.H. Anthony, Inc., from the HCUA."

The five count indictment alleges Pahlavan committed conspiracy, bribery, honest services wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and false statements between October, 2006 and June, 2012 while he ran the Harrison County Utility Authority. The indictment was filed December 9, but unsealed Tuesday morning.

The indictment says the wire fraud charge is based on a scheme in 2010 and 2011 where Pahlavan allegedly "received a bribe from Co-Conspirator 1 in the form of a vehicle purchased with funds wired across state lines in exchange for defendant Pahlavan favorably supervising, approving work for, and recommending contracts be awarded to Co-Conspirator 1's company, S.H. Anthony, Inc., from the HCUA."

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